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Teeth can chip or become worn for several reasons, usually due to issues affecting the enamel. Enamel is the hard outer coating on your teeth made up of mainly mineral substances.

Acid Erosion

One type of toothwear is acid erosion; this can appear as worn or translucent edges on your front teeth, or even sometimes sensitivity. This is caused by acids demineralising the enamel on your teeth; this can be from acidic foods and drinks in your diet such as fruit juices, sparkling water, wines or tomatoes for example. Acid can also originate intrinsically; for example if you are sick often or suffer with acid reflux.

Tooth-grinding or "Bruxism"

The habit of tooth-grinding, also called "Bruxism" is extremely common. Many patients are not aware they have this habit as bruxism is most common during the night while you are asleep. This causes the teeth to wear down, appearing shorter and flatter. It can eventually cause teeth to fracture and chip from excessive forces, as well as leading to tension headaches and pain in the chewing muscles.

Abrasion

This type of toothwear appears often as notches or dips in the tooth, often by the gum line. It can be caused by several things but primarily from excessive force when brushing your teeth. A poor tooth-brushing technique or a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear the teeth away, exposing sensitive and discoloured cementum.

There are many different options available to manage and treat tooth wear; the first step starts with diagnosis! By visiting the dentist regularly, they can assess, diagnose and discuss any toothwear concerns you may have.

Dr Marie Sanfey

Cosmetic Dentist

BDS NUI(Hons) MJDF RCS (Eng)

MSc Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry KCL, Advanced aesthetics